Class 47715

08/03/2026

05/03/2026

Powerrrrrr

07/02/2026

Always nice to hear a 47 give it some even if it is just moving about in the yard 😂😂😂

01/02/2026

Class 47715 powering up the bank at the bluebell line 💪💪💪 with thanks to Thomas Shrimpton and his skills of capturing 47715 on full power https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJI4N6AwIM0

19/01/2026

❄️ Cold Weather Winterisation & Underframe Checks ❄️

With winter conditions firmly setting in, cold weather preparation is not optional — it’s essential.

This video shows Class 47 No. 47715 following brake cylinder replacement and full brake testing, with particular focus on underframe condition and brake system integrity — both critical areas during cold weather operation.

Winterisation and underframe checks help to identify and mitigate risks such as:

Moisture and condensation within brake systems
Reduced brake performance due to cold-related component stiffness
Corrosion and deterioration of underframe equipment
Air leaks, seized rigging, and degraded pipework
Cold temperatures can quickly expose underlying issues, especially on locomotives that have been in storage or low use.

Proactive inspection, testing, and maintenance now can prevent failures later — often at the worst possible time.

Our engineers continue to support operators and owners nationwide with:
🔧 Brake system maintenance & testing
🔍 Detailed underframe inspections
❄️ Cold weather winterisation support
🚆 24/7 on-call rolling stock assistance
Keeping assets safe, compliant, and ready for service — whatever the weather.

05/01/2026

Cold Weather & Cold Locomotives Don’t Mix ❄️

With the recent cold snap across the UK, we’ve seen first-hand just how critical it is to run locomotives up regularly during low temperatures.

So far this year alone, Rail Engineering Solutions has already attended and charged over six locomotives, many of which had been standing in cold conditions.

Low temperatures significantly increase the risk of:

Flat batteries
Moisture build-up in air systems
Seized components
Start-up failures when units are suddenly required for service
Running locos up isn’t just good practice — it’s a preventative maintenance necessity, particularly through winter months.

Our teams have been exceptionally busy, supporting operators and owners to get assets back online quickly, safely, and compliantly, helping to avoid avoidable delays, call-outs, and damage.

If you have locomotives in storage or low utilisation this winter, now is the time to review your cold weather regime.

📞 24/7 on-call support available nationwide
🔧 Locomotive run-ups, charging & winter readiness
🚆 Keeping your assets protected and ready when you need them.

31/12/2025

day of preparation for 47715

Today was focused on getting Class 47 No. 47715 ready for tomorrow’s run.

The day started with a cold start, allowing us to confirm everything was behaving as expected from ambient conditions.

This was followed by a set of routine pre-service checks, ensuring key systems were operating correctly and the locomotive was fit for service.

Once the checks were complete, 47715 received a fresh wash.

More than just for appearance, a clean locomotive makes it far easier to spot leaks, defects, or anything that needs attention — even if it is a bit more involved than washing a car 😂
All set and ready for the next day’s duties.

#47715

29/12/2025

Monday Memories – Class 47 No. 47715 at the Bluebell Railway

Starting the week with a look back at 47715 during her time at the Bluebell Railway — a locomotive that continues to draw attention wherever she operates.

A Class 47 running on heritage metals is always a standout sight, and the Bluebell Railway offered the perfect setting to showcase both the locomotive’s presence and the lasting appeal of mainline diesel traction in preservation.

It’s moments like these that highlight the value of ongoing maintenance, skilled engineering, and long-term care in keeping iconic locomotives operational for future generations to experience and enjoy.

Who remembers seeing 47715 at the Bluebell? 👇

#47715

27/12/2025

Class 47 No. 47715 – Run-up checks & fault investigation

This historic footage dates back to when 47715 was first acquired, showing the locomotive during initial run-up checks, system observations and fault-finding activities.

At the time, several issues were identified that required structured investigation and rectification to return the locomotive to a stable, serviceable condition.

Through methodical fault diagnosis, adjustment and fettling, the locomotive was brought back to a condition suitable for operational use ahead of the Chinnor Diesel Gala.

A good example of the importance of disciplined engineering processes, sound judgement and experience when recommissioning heritage traction.

26/12/2025

Class 47 No. 47715 – A Testament to Swiss Engineering

47715 was brought into service this week for a controlled run-up and full systems check.

More than six decades on, the locomotive continues to demonstrate why Swiss engineering has long been regarded as the benchmark for robustness, reliability and longevity.

While Rail Engineering Solutions provides rolling stock support to customers across the network, we apply exactly the same engineering discipline to our own assets.

Working on locomotives of this era is a constant reminder that good design, sound materials and conservative engineering margins genuinely stand the test of time.

Keeping legacy locomotives operational through winter is challenging at the best of times. However, locomotives built with engineering integrity respond well to regular running, movement and inspection — inactivity is often the greater enemy.

Today’s engineering activities included:

1) Lubrication of all grease points and replacement of defective grease ni***es.

2) Application of rust inhibitor within the brake system.

3) Full air system drain-down to remove accumulated moisture.

4) Engine run-up with functional checks,
Fluid levels checked and topped up as required.

5) Controlled locomotive movement to monitor for any abnormal noise or vibration.

6) Battery charging and condition checks.

7) Targeted corrosion treatment to the internal roof area — a familiar but manageable challenge on older locomotives.

There are many factors involved in owning and maintaining a locomotive, but working on assets like 47715 reinforces an important truth: when something is engineered properly from the outset, maintenance becomes preservation rather than constant repair.
The easy part is watching from a distance.

The real appreciation comes from maintaining it.